Ocean City: More Than Meets the Eye

      If you live in Maryland, you know what Ocean City is and you have probably been there. If you haven't been there you are either younger than a senior in high school (senior week is at Ocean City) or have the luxury of going out of state to a different location, but pretty much everyone I know has been. Seeing as most states are not touching an ocean, having the choice of going to a beach with a short drive in your own state is a luxury in itself.

Aerial View

  
      There are many draws to Ocean City especially for someone my age. I love the beach no matter what beach but there's something about being able to take a trip with a bunch of your friends in the middle of the week that is enticing to me. You can find a motel, that might not be the nicest quality, but on the beach nonetheless, for 40 bucks a night in the middle of the summer. The most crowded time to try to go down and the time where hotels/houses will be the most expensive is during senior week.


      No matter what your age you can find something to do in OC.  Obviously the beach is the main attraction. Miles and miles of beautiful sand beaches give you a tropical feel far from the equator. For the older crowd the bar scene is usually a good reason to make the trip. Bars get wild during the summer's weekends and holidays. If you go and are of legal age, you must head to Seacrets if the weather is nice. For the younger folks you can spend time mini-golfing, swimming at the beach, strolling down the boardwalk or heading to one of the 18 and under dance clubs. Fun for any age can be found on the boardwalk. Games, shops, food, ocean view, rides and many other things are accessible year round.

Photo Credit: NotYourBroom

   
 As a lover of food, the restaurants in Ocean City are worth the trip on their own. Numerous all you can eat crab buffets are littered throughout the area. While down there everyone must make a point to pick and eat as many delicious Maryland crabs as you can, you have to get your money's worth. You can get a good meal on any block.

Photo Credit: NotYourBroom

 


      Another draw to OC is the fishing charters. For a decent fee you can go out on a boat with a captain and reel in some huge fish. The charter boats have everything provided so all you are responsible for is showing up and having a great time. Fishing is huge there. Every year a Blue Marlin tournament is held, and it's one of the biggest in the world. 

Cunningham Falls State Park

Photo Credit: Alyson Hurt

        Cunningham Falls State Park has a little bit of something for everyone. Tucked into the Catoctin Mountains in Thurmont, MD, Cunningham Falls is a great location for a weekend outing or a simple day trip. I've made many trips to the falls for a relaxing time. If you're in to hiking, fishing, hunting, swimming, grabbing some rays, camping, climbing a waterfall, or having a picnic I suggest you make the trip. Thurmont is kind of out there in Frederick County so it's not the most popular destination for Marylanders.
       
       The whole atmosphere is very serene and peaceful. I've never seen it be over populated all the times I've been going. We've always been able to grill on the provided grill and hang out in the water and hike to the falls without any problems. On a nice, warm, summer day you'll see a bit more traffic especially on the beaches but it's never too bad. The water is very clean and heats up to a decent temperature making swimming very enjoyable! The Falls offer up canoe rentals for people who are interested in getting farther into the lake to fish. The biggest attraction are the numerous trails and the huge waterfall that you can climb to the top and get a nice view. The Falls are located on a 3500 woodland preserve that offers plenty of room for hunting if you are interested in that. Cabins are also available for reservation if you plan on making a vacation out of it.
       
     Cunningham Falls State Park is a relatively unknown destination but a beautiful one with breathtaking scenery and numerous activities! Also a personal suggestion if you make it out to Thurmont hit The Cozy Restaurant for a delicious home style cooked buffet meal!

Bob's Hill Overlook, Hike up to a beautiful view!

Welcome to my blog, "Out and About in Maryland" where I will be posting about some places and things I have found exciting in the state. As I am born and raised in a small town in Maryland, I know many times I found myself asking and looking for things to do. A blog that I could reference for ideas on places I could go and things I could do would have been a great help when I was growing up. Some of the things I might post will be well known while others might be a little more underground but all interesting! Enjoy and hope I can be of some assistance to all you bored Marylanders out there. Whether you are a resident or planning a vacation to the Old Line State you can always use some help in terms of activities!